Liverpool vs Chelsea: Familiar rivals battle for Carabao Cup quarter-final place

Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday night, with both sides looking to secure a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Liverpool and Chelsea have met repeatedly in the competition, with their rivalry stretching back to 1977.

Across 10 historical meetings, Chelsea hold a slight edge with four wins to Liverpool's three, alongside three draws.

The most notable contests came in the 2022 and 2024 finals, with Liverpool emerging victorious on both occasions.

The Reds won a gruelling 11-10 penalty shootout after a goalless draw in 2022, before Virgil van Dijk's dramatic 118th-minute header secured a 1-0 victory in 2024.

Liverpool's current momentum and Anfield advantage make them favourites, but Chelsea's chaotic third-round comeback against Leeds United proved they can punish any complacency.

Team news:

Liverpool arrive in strong form following Sunday's 2-0 victory over Brighton, marking their fourth consecutive win in all competitions.

An own goal from Pascal Groß and a fine finish from Alexander Isak secured the points, lifting Andoni Iraola's side to fourth in the Premier League.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's clash, Iraola confirmed his plans to rotate the squad, saying: "There will definitely be changes. But we want to win the game, we want to be competitive."

Iraola has balanced his squad across domestic and European commitments, making 10 changes for their 3-1 third-round victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai all scored as the Reds progressed to the fourth round.

However, a mounting injury list leaves Iraola with selection decisions ahead of Wednesday.

Szoboszlai, Jeremie Frimpong and Victor Munoz are sidelined, while Florian Wirtz remains a major doubt.

Chelsea:

Chelsea head to Anfield desperate for a response following Saturday's frustrating 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham.

With no European football this season, the Carabao Cup represents one of their clearest routes to silverware.

The fixture also marks a return to Anfield for Xabi Alonso, who previously played for Liverpool and was among the leading candidates to replace former manager Jürgen Klopp, before eventually taking charge of Chelsea.

Alonso faces growing selection concerns, with captain Reece James ruled out until at least January through a long-term knee injury.

Jamie Gittens remains sidelined with an ankle problem, while Emmanuel Emegha is also unavailable with a muscular issue.

Cole Palmer is suspended following his red card against Tottenham, while João Pedro faces a late fitness test.

Pep Chavarría remains a minor doubt after returning to light training.

Alonso is expected to retain 21-year-old goalkeeper Mike Penders, with Emiliano Martínez ruled out after undergoing surgery for a fractured jaw.

Speaking about Penders ahead of Wednesday's trip to Anfield, Alonso backed the young goalkeeper, saying: "It’s part of the business; you need to deal with mistakes and we keep confidence in Mike and he will be in goal against Liverpool."

Predicted line-ups:

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Araujo, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Nyoni, Barcola, Ngumoha; Isak.

Chelsea XI: Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill (c); Gusto, Watson, Barco, Hato; Estevao, Welbeck, Neto.